Pumpkin Pie Spiced Protein Waffles

Waffles shouldn’t be only for breakfast, or only for dessert, they shouldn’t be pushed into the ‘sweet only’ category, nor the ‘savoury only’ category. We don’t accept any waffle discrimination here. They also don’t need to be hideously high in calories. I mean, the high calorie ones are great, don’t get me wrong. But unfortunately not all of us are blessed with a super speedy metabolism comparable to that of a 14 year old, or are indeed, actually only 14 years old (ah, good times). Nor are most of either with both time and money available to afford eating epic waffles – because let’s face it, the most epic of waffles are only found when you eat out.

This meaning that for one reason or another, the majority of us don’t have epic waffles on our everyday radar. That’s where homemade, high protein ones come into play. I’m not going to try and kid you that protein waffles are the same as regular ones, and anyone that claims theirs are, well.. just question anything that they say with regards to food is all I’m saying.

That aside. These are pretty good. In my opinion. These are an everyday kind of food in that they’re made with healthy ingredients (in my classification of ‘healthy’). They contain 1 of your 5 a day – or 10 a day depending on which bit of ‘advice’ the government is spewing at the moment in time you’re reading this (FYI as a rule of thumb, the more variety, the better the range of micronutrients you will be getting, the more your body will thank you). They’re high in fibre – essential for good gut health and helping you poop. They don’t contain any added sugar, excellent news for your teeth. Plus, they are free from gluten and dairy.

Now, when it comes to dairy and gluten – each to their own. Some cut it out or reduce it for genuine health reasons i.e. they’re intolerant. Others cut it out because they’ve heard on the grapevine, or in this day and age, more likely on some absurd, nonsensical website such as ‘Goop’ (please, just don’t), that dairy and gluten are the enemy. Far from it. Gluten is awesome. As is dairy. I mean, bread, doughnuts, ice cream?!

However, the bad news is that with age, your body’s ability to produce lactase enzymes decreases and the levels you can digest without side effects, generally declines. Other factors such as stress or having had a course of antibiotics can also reduce your levels of lactase enzymes. It’s not uncommon to develop gluten intolerances later on in life, either, unfortunately. But, unless you’re experiencing issues with gluten or dairy, from a dietary point of view at least, there is no reason whatsoever to cut it out. It’s all a lie. An ice cream, doughnut deficient lie. With that little rant over, have a recipe for some pumpkin pie spiced protein waffles.

Directions:

In a bowl, combine the dry ingredients. Add in the wet ingredients and mix together until smooth.

Grease the waffle maker – I recommend spray oil for this and/or using a pastry brush. Roughly divide the mixture between the two plates, spread a little with the back of a spoon and clamp the lid shut. Cook for 4-5 minutes.